Degrees and Programs

Interdisciplinary Studies

(907) 474-6396 (undergraduate information) (907) 474-7464 (graduate information)
(907) 474-7464 (graduate information) www.uaf.edu/gradsch/ (graduate information)

Degrees: A.A.S., B.A., B.S., B.T., M.A. M.S., Ph.D.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: A.A.S.: 60 credits; B.A., B.S. or B.T.: 130 credits; M.A. and M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 18 thesis credits

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The UAF interdisciplinary program provides flexibility to students with well-defined goals who do not fit into one of the established majors offered by the university. The program is available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate

Students may submit a proposal for an interdisciplinary program after completing 15 credits at UAF as long as they have at least 30 credits remaining in the proposed degree program. The proposed curriculum must differ significantly from established degree programs at UAF and will require evidence that the necessary facilities and faculty are available to ensure an approximation of a normal undergraduate degree. All general requirements for the A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T. degree must be met.

In developing an interdisciplinary proposal, the student should specify the degree (A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T.), include an explanation of how the proposed program differs substantially from established UAF programs, and include a discussion that current UAF resources are adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed program. (A minimum of two disciplines is required for the interdisciplinary degree.) The student then obtains an advisory committee of at least three faculty members from the appropriate disciplines and holds at least one formal meeting with the full committee to review the proposal. The committee will appoint a chair, review the proposed program, select a degree title in concert with the student and make its recommendation. Applicants then submit to the provost their proposal for the program they wish to pursue, specifying the degree, proposed curriculum work sheet and rationale. The degree is awarded through the school or college of the chair of the committee, subject to approval by the provost.

Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate interdisciplinary degree can contact the Academic Advising Center for help in finding faculty advisors and developing their curriculum proposal.

Undergraduate Program

Interdisciplinary Studies -- A.A.S., B.A., B.S. or B.T. degree

1. Contact the UAF Advising Center for materials and procedures.
2. Contact three faculty to serve as the INDS committee.
3. Prepare rationale/justification letter.
4. Conduct committee meeting to finalize degree proposal, title of degree, and assessment plan.
5. Submit proposal to appropriate Dean for approval.
6. Submit to the Provost for final approval.
7. Minimum credits required:
   
   1. Associate degree (60 credits)
   2. Baccalaureate degree (130 credits)

Graduate Program

Interdisciplinary Studies -- M.A. or M.S. degree

1. Complete the admission process including the following:
   
   1. Submit GRE scores
   2. In consultation with a UAF faculty member: prepare and submit a statement of research goals and justification for interdisciplinary approach, and a preliminary graduate study plan.
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the master's degree requirements (page 46).
4. Pass a comprehensive examination.
5. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

Interdisciplinary Studies -- Ph.D. degree

1. Complete the admission process including the following:
   
   1. Submit GRE scores
   2. In consultation with a UAF faculty member: prepare and submit a statement of research goals and justification for interdisciplinary approach, and a preliminary graduate study plan.
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements (page 48).
4. Pass written and oral comprehensive exams.
5. Minimum credits required 18